Interface converter for SC fiber optic connectors

ABSTRACT

An interface converter is provided for mechanically and optically coupling a fiber optic connector with an adapter port. In a preferred embodiment, the interface converter attaches to an SC fiber optic connector and together form a converted fiber optic connector compatible with the adapter port. In certain embodiments, a retractable release sleeve may be removed from the SC fiber optic connector prior to attaching the interface converter. In certain embodiments, the interface converter may be inserted into the adapter port prior to being attached to the SC fiber optic connector.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/115,982, filed May 6, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,722,258,which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.60/916,296, filed May 6, 2007, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser.No. 60/948,860, filed Jul. 10, 2007, and U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/004,045, filed Nov. 21, 2007, which applicationsare hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to fiber optic data transmission, andmore particularly to fiber optic cable connection systems.

BACKGROUND

Fiber optic cables are widely used to transmit light signals for highspeed data transmission. A fiber optic cable typically includes: (1) anoptical fiber or optical fibers; (2) a buffer or buffers that surroundsthe fiber or fibers; (3) a strength layer that surrounds the buffer orbuffers; and (4) an outer jacket. Optical fibers function to carryoptical signals. A typical optical fiber includes an inner coresurrounded by a cladding that is covered by a coating. Buffers (e.g.,loose or tight buffer tubes) typically function to surround and protectcoated optical fibers. Strength layers add mechanical strength to fiberoptic cables to protect the internal optical fibers against stressesapplied to the cables during installation and thereafter. Examplestrength layers include aramid yarn, steel and epoxy reinforced glassroving. Outer jackets provide protection against damage caused bycrushing, abrasions, and other physical damage. Outer jackets alsoprovide protection against chemical damage (e.g., ozone, alkali, acids).

Fiber optic cable connection systems are used to facilitate connectingand disconnecting fiber optic cables in the field without requiring asplice. A typical fiber optic cable connection system forinterconnecting two fiber optic cables includes fiber optic connectorsmounted at the ends of the fiber optic cables, and an adapter formechanically and optically coupling the fiber optic connectors together.Fiber optic connectors generally include ferrules that support the endsof the optical fibers of the fiber optic cables. The end faces of theferrules are typically polished and are often angled. The adapterincludes co-axially aligned ports (i.e., receptacles) for receiving thefiber optic connectors desired to be interconnected. The adapterincludes an internal split sleeve that receives and aligns the ferrulesof the fiber optic connectors when the connectors are inserted withinthe ports of the adapter. With the ferrules and their associated fibersaligned within the sleeve of the adapter, a fiber optic signal can passfrom one fiber to the next. The adapter also typically has a mechanicalfastening arrangement (e.g., a snap-fit arrangement) for mechanicallyretaining the fiber optic connectors within the adapter.

FIG. 1 shows a prior art SC style adapter 320 that is frequently used infiber optic telecommunications systems. The SC style adapter 320includes a housing 321 having an outer portion 322 defining first andsecond oppositely positioned ports 324, 326. Resilient fingers 328 areprovided on the outer portion 322 for use in retaining the adapter 320within a mounting opening (e.g., an opening within a panel) by a snapfit connection. The housing 321 also includes an inner portion 330positioned within the outer portion 322. The inner portion 330 includesa cylindrical split sleeve holder 332 in which a split sleeve 334 ismounted. The split sleeve 334 has a first end 336 accessible from thefirst port 324 and a second end 338 accessible from the second port 326.The inner portion 330 also includes a first pair of resilient latches340 positioned at the first port 324 and a second pair of resilientlatches 342 positioned at the second port 326.

FIGS. 2 through 5 show a prior art SC style fiber optic connector 422that is compatible with the adapter 320. The connector 422 includes aconnector body 424 in which a ferrule assembly is mounted. The connectorbody 424 includes a first end 426 positioned opposite from a second end428. The first end 426 provides a connector interface at which a ferrule430 of the ferrule assembly is supported. Adjacent the first end 426,the connector body 424 includes retention shoulders 432 that are engagedby the resilient latches 340 of the adapter 320 when the connector 422is inserted in the first port 324 of the adapter 320, or that areengaged by the resilient latches 342 when the connector 422 is insertedin the second port 326 of the adapter 320. The latches 340, 342 functionto retain SC connectors the within their respective ports 324, 326. Thesecond end 428 of the connector body 424 is adapted to receive a fiberoptic cable 450 having a fiber 453 that terminates in the ferrule 430. Aresilient boot 452 can be positioned at the second end 428 of theconnector body 424 to provide bend radius protection at the interfacebetween the connector body 424 and the fiber optic cable 450.

The connector 422 also includes a retractable release sleeve 434 thatmounts over the connector body 424. The release sleeve 434 can be slidback and forth relative to the connector body 424 through a limitedrange of movement that extends in a direction along a longitudinal axis454 of the connector 422. The release sleeve 434 includes release ramps436 that are used to disengage the latches 340, 342 from the retentionshoulders 432 when it is desired to remove the connector 422 from agiven one of the ports 324, 326. For example, by pulling back (i.e., ina direction toward the second end 428 of the connector body 424) on theretention sleeve 434 while the connector 422 is mounted in a given port324, 326, the release ramps 436 force the corresponding latches 340, 342apart from one another a sufficient distance to disengage the latches340, 342 from the retention shoulders 432 so that the connector 422 canbe removed from the port 324, 326. The release sleeve 434 includes akeying rail 435 that fits within keying slots of the outer housing 322to ensure proper rotational alignment of the connector 422 within theadapter 320. When two of the connectors 422 are latched within the port324, 326 of the adapter 320, the ferrules 430 of the connectors 422 fitswithin the first and second ends 336, 338 of the split sleeve 334 andare thereby held in co-axial alignment with one another. Further detailsregarding SC type fiber optic connectors are disclosed at U.S. Pat. No.5,317,663, that is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

There are a variety of fiber optic adapter and fiber optic connectorconfigurations that are used in the telecommunications industry. Thereis a need for techniques that provide compatibility between differentstyles/configurations of fiber optic components.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to an interface converterfor allowing a fiber optic connector to be compatible with an adapterport that would otherwise be incompatible with the fiber opticconnector.

A variety of additional inventive aspects will be set forth in thedescription that follows. The inventive aspects can relate to individualfeatures and to combinations of features. It is to be understood thatboth the forgoing general description and the following detaileddescription are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictiveof the broad inventive concepts upon which the embodiments disclosedherein are based.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a prior art SC style fiber opticadapter;

FIG. 2 is a front, top perspective view of a prior art SC style fiberoptic connector adapted to be inserted into the fiber optic adapter ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a rear, bottom perspective view of the SC style fiber opticconnector of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a front, top perspective view of the SC style fiber opticconnector of FIGS. 2 and 3 with an outer release sleeve removed;

FIG. 5 is a rear, bottom perspective view of the SC style fiber opticconnector of FIGS. 2 and 3 with the outer release sleeve removed;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a fiber optic adapter;

FIG. 7 is an end view of the fiber optic adapter of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a front, top perspective view of a SC style fiber opticconnector inserted in an interface converter having features that areexamples of inventive aspects in accordance with the principles of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a rear, top perspective view of the SC style fiber opticconnector inserted in the interface converter of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a front, top perspective cut-away view cut lengthwise throughthe SC style fiber optic connector inserted in the interface converterof FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a front, top perspective cut-away view cut lengthwise throughthe SC style fiber optic connector withdrawn from the interfaceconverter of FIG. 8;

FIG. 12 is a rear, top perspective cut-away view cut lengthwise alongthe middle through the SC style fiber optic connector withdrawn from theinterface converter of FIG. 8;

FIG. 13 is a front, side perspective view of another interface converterin an unassembled state having features that are examples of inventiveaspects in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, theinterface converter is shown in combination with the connector body ofthe SC style fiber optic connector of FIGS. 2 through 5;

FIG. 14 is a front, side perspective view showing a first assembly stepof the interface converter of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a front, side perspective view showing a second assembly stepof the interface converter of FIG. 13; and

FIG. 16 is a front, side perspective view showing a third assembly stepof the interface converter of FIG. 13.

FIG. 17 is a front, side perspective view of another interface converterhaving features that are examples of inventive aspects in accordancewith the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 18 shows a first half-piece of the interface converter of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 shows a second half-piece of the interface converter of FIG. 17;

FIG. 20 shows an interface converter housing of the converter of FIG. 17in the process of being mounted over an SC connector body;

FIG. 21 shows the interface converter housing of FIG. 20 mounted overthe SC connector body;

FIG. 22 shows an SC connector in alignment with a release sleeve removaltool that is integral with the interface converter housing of theinterface converter;

FIG. 23 shows the SC connector of FIG. 22 with the ferrule of theconnector inserted within a clearance opening of the release sleeveremoval tool;

FIG. 24 shows the SC connector of FIG. 22 with the release sleeve beingforced downwardly into a recess of the release sleeve removal tool tocause the release sleeve to disengage from the connector body of the SCconnector;

FIG. 25 shows the SC connector of FIG. 22 with the connector body beingwithdrawn from the release sleeve;

FIG. 26 is a front, side perspective view of a further interfaceconverter having features that are examples of inventive aspects inaccordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 27 is a rear, side perspective view of the interface converter ofFIG. 26;

FIG. 28 is a front, side perspective view showing an SC connector inalignment behind the converter housing of FIG. 26;

FIG. 29 is a rear, side perspective view showing the SC connector inalignment behind the converter housing of FIG. 26;

FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view cut lengthwise through the interfaceconverter of FIG. 26;

FIG. 31 shows the cross-sectional view of FIG. 30 with an SC connectormounted within the interface converter;

FIG. 32 shows the SC connector of FIG. 22 with the ferrule of theconnector inserted within the clearance opening of the release sleeveremoval tool of FIG. 22 and a pushing tool mounted over the releasesleeve;

FIG. 33 shows the SC connector of FIG. 22 with the release sleeve beingforced downwardly by the pushing tool of FIG. 32 into the recess of therelease sleeve removal tool of FIG. 22 to cause the release sleeve todisengage from the connector body of the SC connector; and

FIG. 34 shows the SC connector of FIG. 22 with the connector body beingwithdrawn from the release sleeve by the pushing tool of FIG. 32.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 6 and 7 schematically illustrate a fiber optic adapter 520 havingan outer housing 522 and an inner housing 524. The outer housing 522includes first and second ports 526, 528 positioned at opposite ends ofthe adapter 520. The inner housing 524 includes a cylindrical splitsleeve holder 527 in which a split sleeve 530 is retained. The splitsleeve 530 includes a first end 532 positioned at the first port 526 anda second end 534 positioned at the second port 528. The outer housing522 includes structure for securing fiber optic connecters within thefirst and second ports 526, 528, and also includes keying structures forensuring that the fiber optic connectors are oriented at the properrotational orientation within the first and second ports 526, 528. Forexample, the outer housing 522 defines inner threads 550 located withinthe first and second ports 526, 528. The threads 550 are adapted toengage outwardly threaded coupling nuts of fiber optic connectorsinserted within the ports 526, 528 to retain the connectors within theports 526, 528. Also, the outer housing 522 defines keying slots 542within the ports 526, 528. The keying slots 542 are adapted to receivecorresponding key members of fiber optic connectors inserted within theports 526, 528 to ensure that the fiber optic connectors are oriented atthe proper rotational orientation within the first and second ports 526,528.

For a number of reasons, the SC style fiber optic connector 422 of FIGS.2 through 5 is not directly compatible with the fiber optic adapter 520of FIGS. 6 and 7. For example, the fiber optic adapter 520 lacksresilient latches for retaining the fiber optic connector 422 in theports 526, 528. Also, the keying slots 542 are not designed to work withthe keying rail 435 of the connector 422 to ensure that the connector isoriented at the proper rotational orientation within the ports 526, 528.

FIGS. 8 through 12 show an interface converter 20 having features thatare examples of inventive aspects in accordance with the principles ofthe present disclosure. The interface converter 20 is configured to makean SC style fiber optic connector (e.g., the fiber optic connector 422of FIGS. 2 through 5) compatible with the fiber optic adapter 520 ofFIGS. 6 and 7. The ports 526, 528 have the same configuration.Therefore, it will be appreciated that the interface converter 20 can bemounted within either of the ports 526, 528 to make an individual portcompatible with an SC style fiber optic connector, or that separateinterface converters 20 can be mounted in each of the ports 526, 528 tomake the entire adapter compatible with SC style fiber optic connectors.However, for ease of explanation, the interface converter 20 willprimarily be described within respect to the first port 526. It will beappreciated that the same description is also applicable to theinterface conversion of the second port 528.

The interface converter 20 is configured to provide a mechanicalinterface suitable for receiving and retaining the fiber optic connector422 within the first port 526. The interface converter 20 also functionsto align the fiber optic connector 422 within the first port 526 suchthat the ferrule 430 fits within the first end 532 of the split sleeve530. In addition, the interface converter 20 rotationally orients thefiber optic connector 422 within first port 526. For example, keyingrail 435 is seated in a keying slot 38 of the interface converter 20 torotationally align the connector 422 relative to the interface converter20. Also, keying rail 25 fits within keying slot 542 to rotationallyalign the interface converter 20 relative to the adapter 520.

Referring to FIG. 8, the interface converter 20 includes an anchoringpiece 22 connected to a connector holder 24 (e.g., by a snap fitconnection). The anchoring piece 22 and the connector holder 24 are bothaligned along a central longitudinal axis 26 of the interface converter20. The anchoring piece 22 can be manually rotated relative to theconnector holder 24 about the central longitudinal axis 26.

As illustrated in FIGS. 8 through 12, the connector holder 24 forms afirst end 28 of the interface converter and is shaped with a mechanicalinterface that complements or is compatible with the inner shape definedwithin the port 526 of the fiber optic adapter 520. For example, theconnector holder 24 includes a keying rail 25 that fits within thekeying slot 542 of the port 526 (see FIGS. 6 through 7) to ensure properrotational alignment between the connector holder 24 and the port 526.The connector holder 24 is configured to receive and retain the fiberoptic connector 422. For example, the connector holder 24 defines acentral passage 32 shaped and sized to accommodate the outer shape ofthe release sleeve 434 of the fiber optic connector 422 (see FIGS. 11through 12). In this way, the connector 422 can be received within thecentral passage 32. The connector holder 24 also includes structure formechanically retaining the fiber optic connector 422 within the centralpassage 32. For example, the connector holder 24 includes opposingflexible latches 34 configured to interlock with the retention shoulders432 of the fiber optic connector 422 when the fiber optic connector 422is inserted in the central passage 32 (see FIG. 10). The interlockbetween the latches 34 and the retention shoulders 432 functions toretain the fiber optic connector 422 within the central passage 32. Thelatches 34 can be disengaged from the retention shoulders 432 by pullingback on the release sleeve 434 thereby causing the ramped surfaces 436of the release sleeve 434 to force the latches 34 apart a sufficientdistance to disengage the latches 34 from the retention shoulders 432.

The anchoring piece 22 forms a second end 40 of the interface converter20. The second end 40 is positioned opposite from the first end 28. Theanchoring piece 22 defines a central passage 44 that aligns with thecentral passage 32 of the connector holder 24. In one embodiment, thecentral passage 44 is tapered at the second end 40 to provide atransition or lead-in for facilitating inserting the fiber opticconnector 422 into the central passage 44. The anchoring piece 22 alsoincludes external threads 46 sized to match or intermate with theinternal threads 550 provided within the first port 526 of the fiberoptic adapter 520. By threading the anchoring piece 22 within theinternal threads 550, the interface converter can be anchored within thefirst port 526 of the fiber optic adapter 520.

The interface converter 20 can be mounted within the port 526 of thefiber optic adapter 520 to make the port 526 compatible with the fiberoptic connector 422. To mount the interface converter 20 within the port526, the first end 28 of the interface converter 20 is inserted into theport 526 and is manipulated such that the keying rail 25 fits within thecorresponding keying slot 542 provided within the port 526. Once theconnector holder 24 is properly positioned/seated within the port 526,the anchoring piece 22 is threaded into the internal threads 550 of theport 526 to secure the interface converter 20 in place within the port526. When mounted within the first port 526, the second end 40 of theinterface converter 20 can be flush with the outer portion of theadapter 520. In other embodiments, the second end 40 may be recessedwithin the port 520 or may project slightly outwardly from the port 526.Notches 49 can be provided at the second end 40. The notches 49 can besized to interlock with a tool such as a spanner wrench used to turn theanchoring piece 22 within the threads 550.

Once the interface converter 20 is mounted within the port 526, the port526 can accommodate the fiber optic connector 422. For example, thefiber optic connector 422 can be axially inserted into the port 526through the second end 40 of the interface converter 20. Duringinsertion, the connector 422 passes through the central passages 44, 32of the interface converter 20. Insertion continues until the latches 34interlock with the retention shoulders 432 of the connector 422. Oncethe latches 34 interlock with the shoulders 432, the connector 422 isretained at a location with the ferrule 430 positioned at an appropriatedepth within the first end 532 of the split sleeve 530. The matingrelation between the keying slot 38 and the keying rail 435 ensure thatthe connector 422 is rotationally aligned within the converter 20. Theconnector 422 can be removed from the interface converter 20 by pullingback on the release sleeve 434. To facilitate grasping the releasesleeve 434, an extender can be mounted to the back side of the releasesleeve 434.

FIGS. 13 through 16 show another interface converter 120 having featuresthat are examples of inventive aspects in accordance with the principlesof the present disclosure. The interface converter 120 is alsoconfigured to make an SC style fiber optic connector (e.g., the fiberoptic connector 422 of FIGS. 2 through 5) compatible with the fiberoptic adapter 520 of FIGS. 6 and 7. The interface converter 120 mountsover the connector body 424 (e.g., with the release sleeve 434 removed)of the connector 422 and provides a mechanical interface suitable formating and retaining the fiber optic connector 422 within the fiberoptic adapter 520. Other embodiments of an interface converter may mountwith the release sleeve 434 remaining on the connector 422.

Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, the interface converter 120 includes aconverter housing 126 defining a central passage 132 for receiving theconnector body 424 of the fiber optic connector 422. The converter 120also includes a coupling nut 140 rotatably mounted on the converterhousing 126 for use in mechanically retaining the converter 120 withinthe port 526 of the fiber optic adapter 520.

The converter housing 126 of the converter 120 includes a first end 128and an opposite second end 130. The converter housing 126 defines acentral axis 131 that extends through the converter housing 126 from thefirst end 128 to the second end 130. The central passage 132 extendsthrough the converter housing 126 along the central axis 131. The firstend 128 of the converter housing 126 is configured to be mechanicallycompatible with the port 526 of the fiber optic adapter 520. Forexample, the first end 128 of the converter housing 126 can have a shapethat complements, mates with or is otherwise mechanically compatiblewith the shape of the port 526. The first end 128 is also configured tosecure and support the connector body 424 of the fiber optic connector422. The second end 130 of the converter housing 126 is configured toreceive or accommodate the resilient boot 452 of the fiber opticconnector 422.

As indicated above, the first end 128 of the converter housing 126 hasmechanical characteristics that are compatible with the internal shapeof the port 526 defined by the fiber optic adapter 520. For example, thefirst end 128 includes an end wall 154 defining a first opening 156, andalso includes keying rail 129 that projects outwardly from the end wall154 along a direction of connector insertion 155.

The coupling nut 140 of the converter 120 is mounted at the second end130 of the converter housing 126 and is free to rotate about theexterior of the converter housing 126 (e.g., about the central axis131). The coupling nut 140 includes an externally threaded portion 146and a gripping portion 148. The gripping portion 148 defines a pluralityof longitudinal depressions or finger grooves 150 for facilitatinggrasping the gripping portion 148. The threaded portion 146 is sized tobe threaded within the internal threads 550 defined within the port 526of the fiber optic adapter 520 to secure the converter 120 within theport 526. A user can thread the threaded portion 146 of the coupling nut140 into the internal threads 550 of the fiber optic adapter 520 byinserting the threaded portion 146 into the port 526 of the fiber opticadapter 520 and manually turning the coupling nut 140 about theconverter housing 126 to thread the threaded portion 146 into the firstport 526. The gripping portion 148 facilitates gripping and manuallyturning the coupling nut 140.

The converter housing 126 has a configuration that facilitates mountingthe housing 126 over the connector body 424. For example, the converterhousing 126 includes first and second half-pieces 126 a, 126 b that meetat a plane that extends longitudinally along the central axis 131. Thehalf-piece 126 a defines a half-passage 132 a sized to fit over one halfof the connector body 424 and the half-piece 126 b defines ahalf-passage 132 b that fits over the other half of the connector body424. The half-piece 126 a includes the keying rail 129, as shown in FIG.13. The half-piece 126 a includes a slot arrangement 170 a adapted toengage opposite sides of the retention shoulders 432 of the connectorbody 424 so that the shoulders 432 are captured within the slotarrangement 170 a to resist or limit relative axial movement between theconnector body 424 and the converter housing 126 in two directions. Thehalf-piece 126 b includes a stop surface 170 b that abuts against theshoulders 432 but does not capture the shoulders 432. The half-pieces126 a, 126 b are mechanically connected by an axial slide arrangementthat includes a pair of tongues 172 a provided on the half-piece 126 aand a pair of grooves 172 b provided on the half-piece 126 b. The tongueand grooves are aligned parallel to the central axis 131 and are locatedat the interface between the half-pieces 126 a, 126 b. The half-piece126 b also includes enlarged access recesses 173 b positioned at theends of the grooves 172 b for facilitating inserting the tongues 172 ainto the grooves 172 b, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16. By inserting thetongues 172 a laterally into the recesses 173 b, and then sliding thetongues 172 a axially into the grooves 172 b, the half-pieces 126 a, 126b can be coupled together.

To mount the converter 120 on the fiber optic connector 422, theretention nut 140 is first slid over the connector 422 and onto thecable to which the connector 422 is terminated. The release sleeve 434of the connector 422 is then removed from the connector body 424. Oncethe release sleeve 434 has been removed, the half-piece 126 a isinserted laterally over the connector body 424 such that the retentionshoulders 432 are received within the slot arrangement 170 a (see FIG.14). The half-piece 126 b is then inserted laterally toward thehalf-piece 126 a such that the connector body 424 is captured betweenthe pieces 126 a, 126 b and the tongues 172 a are received within therecesses 173 b (see FIG. 15). The half-piece 126 b is then slid axiallyrelative to the half-piece 126 a in the axial direction indicated byarrow 175 (see FIG. 16), to engage the tongues 172 a with the grooves172 b. The half-piece 126 b is slid axially in the direction 175 untilthe stop surface 170 b engages the retention shoulders 432. Thereafter,the coupling nut 140 can be slid over the second end 130 of theconverter 120, and the connector 422 is ready to be mounted in the port526 of the adapter 520.

Once the fiber optic connector 422 is mounted within the converter 120,the combined components can be coupled to the fiber optic adapter 520.For example, the first end 128 of the converter 120 can be insertedwithin the first port 526 of the fiber optic adapter 520. As soinserted, the ferrule 430 of the connector 422 is received within thesplit sleeve 530 positioned within the fiber optic adapter 520, and thekeying rail 129 is received within the keying slot 542. To insure thatthe fiber optic connector 422 is fully inserted and secured within theport 526, the threaded portion 146 of the coupling nut 140 is preferablythreaded into the internal threads 550 of the fiber optic adapter 520.Threading of the threaded portion 146 into the internal threads 550 canbe done manually by grasping the gripping portion 148 and manuallyturning the coupling nut 140. By unthreading the coupling nut 140 fromthe fiber optic adapter 520, and axially pulling the converter 120 fromthe fiber optic adapter 520, the converter 120 and the fiber opticconnector 422 can be disconnected from the fiber optic adapter 520.

FIG. 17 shows another interface converter 620 having features that areexamples of inventive aspects in accordance with the principles of thepresent disclosure. The interface converter 620 is also configured tomake a standard fiber optic connector (e.g., the fiber optic connector422 of FIGS. 2 through 5) compatible with the fiber optic adapter 520 ofFIGS. 6 and 7. As shown at FIG. 17, the interface converter 620 includesa converter housing 626 that mounts over the connector body 424 (e.g.,with the release sleeve 434 removed) of the connector 422 and provides amechanical interface suitable for mating the fiber optic connector 422within the port 526 of the adapter 520. The converter 620 also includesa coupling nut 640 rotatably mounted on the converter housing 626 foruse in mechanically retaining the converter 620 within the port 526 ofthe fiber optic adapter 520.

Referring to FIG. 21, the converter housing 626 of the converter 620includes a first end 628 and an opposite second end 630. A central axis631 extends through the converter housing 626 from the first end 628 tothe second end 630. The first end 628 of the converter housing 626 isconfigured to be mechanically compatible with the fiber optic adapter520. For example, the first end 628 of the converter housing 626 canhave the same configuration as the first end 128 of the converter 120 ofFIGS. 13 through 16. The first end 628 is also configured to secure andsupport the connector body 424 of the fiber optic connector 422. Thesecond end 630 of the converter housing 626 is configured to receive oraccommodate the resilient boot 452 of the fiber optic connector 422.

The coupling nut 640 of the converter 620 is mounted at the second end630 of the converter housing 626 and is free to rotate about theexterior of the converter housing 626 (e.g., about the central axis531). A retaining tab 635 may be included on the converter housing 626to releasably retain the coupling nut 640 (see FIG. 21). The couplingnut 640 has the same configuration as the coupling nut 140 of theconverter 120 and is configured to be manually threaded into the fiberoptic adapter 520 to secure the converter 620 within the adapter 520.

The converter housing 626 has a configuration that facilitates mountingthe housing 626 over the connector body 424. For example, the converterhousing 626 includes first and second half-pieces 626 a, 626 b that meetat a plane that extends longitudinally along the central axis 631. Thehalf-piece 626 a (see FIG. 18) defines a half-passage 632 a sized to fitover one half of the connector body 424 and the half-piece 626 b (seeFIG. 19) defines a half-passage 632 b that fits over the other half ofthe connector body 424. The half-pieces 626 a, 626 b include slotarrangements 670 a, 670 b adapted to engage opposite sides of theretention shoulders 432 of the connector body 424 so that the shoulders432 are captured within the slot arrangements 670 a, 670 b to resist orlimit relative movement between the connector body 424 and the converterhousing 626 in either direction along the axis 631.

The half-pieces 626 a, 626 b are mechanically connected by a snaparrangement that includes a pair of latching clips 672 a provided on thehalf-piece 626 a and a pair of clip receivers 672 b provided on thehalf-piece 626 b. The latching clips 672 a include tabs 673 a thatengage shoulders 673 b (see FIG. 20) of the clip receivers 672 b whenthe latching clips 672 a are snapped within the clip receivers 672 b.The latching clips 672 a each have a cantilevered configuration having abase end and a free end. The tabs 673 a are provided at the free endsand the base ends are integrally formed with a main body of thehalf-piece 626 a. The latching clips 672 a extend in a directiongenerally perpendicular to the central axis 631 as the latching clips672 a extend from the base ends to the free ends. By inserting the clips672 a into the receivers 672 b and then pressing the half-pieces 626 a,626 b together (as indicated by arrows 677 shown at FIG. 21) in adirection generally perpendicular to the axis 531, the half-pieces 626a, 626 b can be coupled together by a snap-fit connection. Byprying/flexing the clips 672 a apart from one another, the tabs 673 acan be disengaged from the shoulders 673 b to allow the half-pieces 626a, 626 b to be disassembled.

The half-piece 626 b includes an integrated tool 690 for use in removingthe release sleeve 434 from the connector body 424 of the connector 422prior to mounting the converter 620 over the connector body 424. Theintegrated tool 690 includes a lateral projection 691 defining aclearance opening 693 sized for receiving the ferrule 430 of theconnector 422. The projection 691 includes a bearing force surface 695that surrounds the opening 693. In one embodiment, the projection has anouter shape that generally matches the outer shape of the first end 426of the connector body 424. In another embodiment, shown in FIGS. 17 and20 through 23, the projection 691 is cylindrical. A recessed region 697surrounds the projection 691.

In use of the tool 690, the half-piece 626 b is placed on a firm, flatsurface with the bearing force surface 695 of the projection 691 facingupwardly (see FIG. 22). A dust cap is then removed from the ferrule 430of the connector 422 and the ferrule 430 inserted in the clearanceopening 693 with the connector 422 extending vertically upwardly fromthe projection 691 (see FIG. 23). If the outer shape of the projectionrequires, the connector 422 is rotated about its central axis 454 (seeFIG. 2) until the outer shape of the connector body 424 is in alignmentwith the outer shape of the projection. If the outer shape of theprojection 691 does not require (see FIG. 22), the connector 422 mayassume any orientation about its central axis 454 so long as the outershape of the release sleeve 434 fits within the recessed region 697.

In certain embodiments, a pushing tool 689 is integrated with thehalf-piece 626 a. Certain forms of the pushing tool 689 have a slotshape, which both allows placement around the fiber optic cable 450 andengages the release sleeve 434 (see FIGS. 32 through 34). Other forms ofthe pushing tool have a slot shape, which allows placement around thefiber optic cable 450, intersecting with a cylindrical shape, thatengages the release sleeve 434 (not shown). The pushing tool 689 mayoptionally be mounted over the release sleeve 434.

After properly positioning the connector 422, the release sleeve 434 ispushed downwardly (see FIGS. 24 and 33). As the release sleeve 434 ispushed downwardly, the end face of the connector body 424 bears againstthe bearing force surface 695 of the projection 691 and the releasesleeve 434 slides over the projection 691 and into the recessed region697. By this action, which generates relative linear movement betweenthe release sleeve 434 and the connector body 424, the release sleeve434 is disengaged from the connector body 424. The connector body 424can then be drawn out from the release sleeve 434 by pulling up on theconnector body 424 or optionally the pushing tool 689 (see FIGS. 25 and34). The opening 693 is preferably deep enough to protect the end faceof the ferrule 430 by preventing the end face from being pressed againstanother surface during removal of the release sleeve 434 (i.e., theferrule does not “bottom-out” within the opening when the end face ofthe connector body 424 is seated on the bearing force surface 695).

To mount the converter 620 on the fiber optic connector 422, the releasesleeve 434 of the connector 422 is removed from the connector body 424.The integrated tools 689 and 690 may be optionally used, as describedabove. Once the release sleeve 434 has been removed, the retention nut640 is slid over the connector 422 and onto the cable to which theconnector 422 is terminated. The half-piece 626 a is inserted laterallyover the connector body 424 such that the retention shoulders 432 of theconnector body 424 are received within the slot arrangement 670 a (seeFIG. 20). When fully inserted, about half of the shoulders 432 are heldwithin the slot arrangement 670 a. The half-piece 626 b is then insertedlaterally toward the half-piece 626 a such that the other halves of theretention shoulders 432 of the connector body 424 are received withinthe slot arrangement 670 b and the connector body 424 is capturedbetween the pieces 626 a and 626 b (see FIG. 21). Also, the latchingclips 672 a are received within the receivers 672 b to provide asnap-fit connection between the pieces 626 a, 626 b as the pieces 626 a,626 b are pushed laterally together. Preferably, the snap-fit latchingarrangement provides both an audible indication (i.e., a “snap”) and avisual indication that the pieces 626 a, 626 b are latched together. Theretention nut 640 is then slid over the second end of the converterhousing 626 to complete the assembly process (see FIG. 17). Once thefiber optic connector 422 is mounted within the converter 620, thecombined components can be coupled to and uncoupled from the fiber opticadapter 520 is the same manner described with respect to the converter120.

FIGS. 26 through 31 show still another interface converter 720 havingfeatures that are examples of inventive aspects in accordance with theprinciples of the present disclosure. The interface converter 720 isalso configured to make a standard fiber optic connector (e.g., thefiber optic connector 422 of FIGS. 2 through 5) compatible with thefiber optic adapter 520 of FIGS. 6 and 7. As shown at FIG. 26, theinterface converter 720 includes a converter housing 726 that mountsover the connector 422 (e.g., with the release sleeve 434 in place onthe connector body 424) and provides a mechanical interface suitable formating the fiber optic connector 422 within the adapter 520. Theconverter 720 also includes a coupling nut 740 (see FIGS. 30 and 31)rotatably mounted on the converter housing 726 for use in mechanicallyretaining the converter 720 within the fiber optic adapter 520.

The converter housing 726 of the converter 720 includes a first end 728and an opposite second end 730. A central axis 731 extends through theconverter housing 726 from the first end 728 to the second end 730. Thefirst end 728 of the converter housing 726 is configured to bemechanically compatible with the fiber optic adapter 520. For example,the first end 728 of the converter housing 726 can have the sameconfiguration as the first end 128 of the converter 120 of FIGS. 13through 16. The first end 728 is also configured to provide access tothe ferrule 430 located at the end of the fiber optic connector 422. Thesecond end 730 of the converter housing 726 is configured to receive oraccommodate the resilient boot 452 of the fiber optic connector 422.

The coupling nut 740 of the converter 720 is mounted at the second end730 of the converter housing 726 (see FIGS. 30 and 31) and is free torotate about the exterior of the converter housing 726 (e.g., about thecentral axis 731). The coupling nut 740 has the same configuration asthe coupling nut 140 of the converter 120 and is configured to bemanually threaded into the adapter 520 to secure the converter 720within the adapter 520.

The converter housing 726 has a one-piece configuration and includesflexible, snap-fit latches 727 to secure the fiber optic connector 422within the converter housing 726. To mount the converter 720 on thefiber optic connector 422, the fiber optic connector 422 is insertedaxially into the converter housing 726 through the second end 730 asindicated by arrows 721 shown at FIGS. 28 and 29. The coupling nut 740can be mounted at the second end 730 of the converter housing 726 at thetime the connector 422 is inserted into the second end 730 of theconverter housing 726. The housing 726 includes an internal axial slot729 (see FIG. 30) sized for receiving the keying rail 435 of the releasesleeve 434 and an internal passage 723 sized for receiving the releasesleeve 434 when the fiber optic connector 422 is inserted into theconverter housing 726. Mating of the keying rail 435 and the slot 729insures that the connector 422 is oriented in the proper rotationalposition during insertion of the connector 422 into the converterhousing 726. As the fiber optic connector 422 is inserted into theconverter housing 726, ramped interior surfaces 725 of the snap-fitlatches 727 are initially spread apart by the fiber optic connector 422and flex to allow passage of the fiber optic connector 422. As theinsertion continues, the latches 727 pass over openings 439 definedthrough the release sleeve 434. The openings 439 allow the latches 727to at least partially un-flex and project though the openings 439 andengage the retention shoulders 432 provided on the connector body 424.Sloping surfaces 433 (see FIG. 4) provide clearance for the rampedinterior surfaces 725 as the snap-fit latches 727 un-flex and engage theretention shoulders 432. The insertion depth of the fiber opticconnector 422 into the converter housing 726 is limited by the keyingrail 435 of the release sleeve 434 bottoming out at an end 724 of theinternal axial slot 729 of the housing 726. The connector 422 is therebysecurely retained within the passage 723 between the end 724 of theinternal axial slot 729 and the snap-fit latches 727 of the converterhousing 726. Preferably, the snap-fit latching arrangement provides bothan audible indication (i.e., a “snap”) and a visual indication that theconnector 422 is latched within the converter housing 726. Once thefiber optic connector 422 is mounted within the converter 720, thecombined components can be coupled to and uncoupled from the fiber opticadapter 520 in the same manner described with respect to the converter120. If desired, the connector 422 can be disconnected from theconverter 720 by flexing the snap-fit latches 727 apart and withdrawingthe connector 422.

From the forgoing detailed description, it will be evident thatmodifications and variations can be made in the devices of thedisclosure without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.As another example, the split line of the housing 126 could be rotated90 degrees about axis 131. Moreover, while the description has beendirected toward interface conversions SC style fiber optic connectors,the various aspects disclosed herein are also applicable to interfaceconversions for other styles of fiber optic adapters and connectors.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for converting a connector from a firstconnector style to a second connector style, the first connector styleadapted for connection with a first style of fiber optic adapter and thesecond connector style adapted for connection with a second style offiber optic adapter, the connector including a connector body, a ferrulesupported by the connector body, and a release sleeve that slidablymounts over the connector body, the release sleeve adapted to release ashoulder of the connector body from a latch of the first style of fiberoptic adapter, the method comprising: removing the release sleeve fromthe connector body; and mounting a converter housing at least partiallyover the connector body after the release sleeve has been removed fromthe connector body, the converter housing including an interface endthat provides the connector with a mechanical interface of the secondconnector style.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the converter housingengages the shoulder of the connector body when the converter housing ismounted over the connector body.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein theconverter housing elastically deforms as the converter housing ismounted over the connector body.
 4. The method of claim 2, wherein theconverter housing elastically deforms as the converter housing ismounted over the connector body.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein theconverter housing includes a slot arrangement that engages the shoulderof the connector body when the converter housing is mounted over theconnector body.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the converter housingincludes a latch arrangement that engages the shoulder of the connectorbody when the converter housing is mounted over the connector body. 7.The method of claim 1, wherein the converter housing includes two piecesjoined by a tongue and groove configuration.
 8. The method of claim 5,wherein the converter housing includes two pieces joined by a tongue andgroove configuration.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the converterhousing includes two pieces joined by a snap-fit configuration.
 10. Themethod of claim 5, wherein the converter housing includes two piecesjoined by a snap-fit configuration.
 11. The method of claim 1, whereinthe converter housing has a one-piece configuration.
 12. The method ofclaim 6, wherein the converter housing has a one-piece configuration.13. The method of claim 5, wherein the converter housing moves laterallyover the connector body when the converter housing is mounted over theconnector body and thereby engages the slot arrangement of the converterhousing with the shoulder of the connector body.
 14. The method of claim5, wherein the converter housing includes two pieces that move laterallytogether over the connector body when the converter housing is mountedover the connector body and thereby engages the slot arrangement of theconverter housing with the shoulder of the connector body.
 15. Themethod of claim 6, wherein the converter housing moves axially over theconnector body when the converter housing is mounted over the connectorbody and thereby engages the latch arrangement of the converter housingwith the shoulder of the connector body.
 16. The method of claim 1,further comprising mounting a coupling nut on the converter housing, thecoupling nut adapted for connection with the second style of fiber opticadapter.
 17. A method for converting a fiber optic connector from afirst configuration to a second configuration, the first configurationof the fiber optic connector adapted for connection with a first styleof fiber optic adapter and the second configuration of the fiber opticconnector adapted for connection with a second style of fiber opticadapter, the fiber optic connector including a release sleeve slidablymounted on a connector body of the fiber optic connector, the releasesleeve adapted to release a shoulder of the connector body from a latchof the first style of fiber optic adapters, the connector bodysupporting a ferrule, the method comprising: providing the fiber opticconnector in the first configuration; removing the release sleeve fromthe connector body; and mounting a converter housing at least partiallyover the connector body after the release sleeve has been removed fromthe connector body and thereby configuring the fiber optic connector inthe second configuration, the mounting of the converter housingincluding engaging a shoulder engaging arrangement of the converterhousing with the shoulder of the connector body.
 18. The method of claim17, wherein the converter housing has a one-piece configuration.
 19. Themethod of claim 17, wherein the converter housing elastically deforms asthe converter housing is mounted over the connector body.
 20. The methodof claim 17, wherein the converter housing includes two pieces joined byan interlocking connection.
 21. The method of claim 17, wherein theconverter housing moves axially over the connector body when theconverter housing is mounted at least partially over the connector bodyand thereby engages the shoulder engaging arrangement of the converterhousing with the shoulder of the connector body.
 22. The method of claim17, wherein the converter housing moves laterally over the connectorbody when the converter housing is mounted at least partially over theconnector body and thereby engages the shoulder engaging arrangement ofthe converter housing with the shoulder of the connector body.
 23. Themethod of claim 17, wherein the shoulder engaging arrangement of theconverter housing is a slot arrangement.
 24. The method of claim 17,wherein the shoulder engaging arrangement of the converter housingincludes a latch arrangement.